Despite what you may think, red dresses suit all skin tones! From perfectly porcelain to superbly sun kissed, there’s nothing a touch of red can’t make look wonderful. Ideal for the modern day romantic and the daring trendsetter, this bright and bubbly hue is taking center stage in our wardrobes this Summer.
From deep maroon shades, all the way to bright cherry red, finding red dresses to suit all skin colourings, and occasions, is about to become a little bit easier. Take a look at our top 5 red dresses, then match them with our makeup tips and hey-presto, you’ve got yourself a top-to-toe outfit in a glamorous new LRD.
Casual Cocktails
It’s easy to see why these Realisation Diana Star red dresses are so popular. With the super cute wrap around skirt style and the frill trim along both the hemline and neckline, these fun and flirty red dresses are the perfect option for some casual cocktail catchups with the gals.
Pair with a ‘fresh-out-of-the-surf’ hair style – the smell of salt is a must – and a barely there overall makeup look. Top tip: use BB cream for a fresh faced touch, then lightly powder your cheekbones and end of your nose with a softer peach/bronze powder for an extra sun-kissed look.
Smack on a darker toned lipstick (think deep red/browns and eggplant purples) and a flick of mascara and eyeliner to finish it off. You are now summer cocktail catchups ready.
Black Tie Wedding
Don’t let the black tie dress code stop you from sporting a brighter, bolder colour. Red dresses are the perfect option for a black tie wedding – just be careful not to take too much attention away from the bride!
Team a simple, floor length, halter neck gown like this Elle Zeitoune Lori Gown, with a slick back low bun or pony tail. The sexy figure hugging design calls for an overall pared back approach when it comes to the makeup: our top tip is to make the eyes your feature and keep the lips to a subdued hue.
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Work a brown and gold smokey eye and lightly contoured cheek bones with a touch of blush coloured gloss for a polished overall look. Finish it off with a pair of simple stilettos and your outfit is ready to go.
Formal Function
Whether it’s a work function, a formal cocktail party, or simply a fine dining restaurant, this Warrior Lace Mini Dress from Lover will get you from point A to point B with no worries in between. The scalloped lace high neck and mid-thigh hemline create a modest, yet modern approach to formal red dresses.
Perfect the overall look by pairing a clean makeup base with a simple, light smokey eye look and bold lip (think darker reds with browny/purple undertones) for top-to-toe perfection. Pair it back with nude pumps and a cute little clutch to hold all your necessities.
Winter Ball
When we say red dresses, it doesn’t mean strictly sticking to Santa Claus red! Instead, take a chance and move deeper into the red spectrum with this dress Sculpted Strapless Dress from Self Portrait. The deeper, darker hue would match perfectly with the colour scheme of an outdoor wedding or formal evening occasion , just throw over on a faux fur cropped jacket for a seriously luxurious feel.
When it comes to makeup, our top tip is to highlight one feature (eyes or lips) and keep everything else neutral and clean. Style loose waves with a soft blush with peachy undertones, then work a dark brown based smokey eye into the mix, ensuring to outline your lids in a dark khol pencil to really make them pop.
Smart Casual
The perfect little partner for a smart casual whichever – be it wedding, dinner, cocktail party or first date – this burnt orange Break My Love Dress from Alice McCall is our top contender when it comes to finding red dresses suitable for every occasion. With just enough modern flare mixed in with a touch of class, when styled with some quick-to-do makeup tricks, this number will be the MVP of your wardrobe come summertime.
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Layer a matt look foundation under a touch of pink/orange based bronzer for a fresh faced summer glow. Pair the base with a simple eye and a bright lip (think red, deep orange or bold pink) to match the ‘pop’ dress below.
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Come Summer time, trust us when we say that red dresses are going to start filling out your wardrobe. Let the colour of the dress do all the talking by teaming a simple overall makeup look – but never shy away from a bold eye or lip to really make your outfit ‘POP’
